Red Sox pitcher Price still bothered by Eckersley's TV analysis

Boston Red Sox pitcher David Price sits in the dugout during Friday s game against the Kansas City Royals at Fenway Park. (AP PHOTO)

BOSTON -- Red Sox pitcher David Price remains frustrated with TV analyst Dennis Eckersley over his critical comments about some of his teammates.

Speaking to reporters before Saturday night's game against Kansas City at Fenway Park, the ace left-hander said he would speak to the Hall of Famer when he comes into the clubhouse.

"If Eck was around, he'd know who we are. He's never in the clubhouse," Price said. "He's the one guy I've seen in my career that never shows his face in the clubhouse."

Price, who was placed on the 10-day disabled list Friday with left elbow inflammation, also said he doesn't think his injury is anything near what sidelined him from early March until the end of May.

The Boston Globe reported last month that Price confronted Eckersley on a team flight.

Price was upset Eckersley didn't make himself available to the players after what they felt were harsh comments.

"If you're going to say what he said, come around, show your face," Price said Saturday. "If guys have a problem with it, pull him aside. That ain't how it's done. That ain't the first time it's happened here regarding Eck. It's unfortunate."

Price, 31, said he was standing up for his teammates. He also said opponents have commented to him and his teammates about Eckersley's analysis.

"Every team that we play here, whenever they hear our broadcast, everybody in here is always getting text messages that (say): 'He has to never be around,"' he said.

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"People know what's going on."

Price signed a $217 millon, seven-year contract with Boston before last season. He went 17-9 with a 3.99 ERA in his first year with the Red Sox.

He was 5-3 with a 3.82 ERA before going on the DL. He hopes to return soon.

"It's nowhere near where it was (in spring training)," he said. "I feel like it'll be more than 10 days. We did all the strength tests and arm tests and my strength and grip were both stronger than where they were in spring training, all the signs are really good."

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